Learning Technologies from the Operating Room

Episode Takeaways

• Dr. Grossmann was one of the first surgeons to use Google Glass in the operating room. At the time, it was out of an interest to make his teaching and his student’s learning better by streaming his own point of view, asking questions and seeing what’s happening in detail. It was unorthodox at the time, but by being forward-thinking we can improve patient care in the long run, using technology in a smart way.
• A lot of the latest cutting edge technology isn’t designed for health care, but they often have some application in the sector if we think creatively enough. Generative AI, virtual/extended reality, and haptics for example can come together to revolutionize the way surgeons learn and treat patient, breaking down barriers like geography.
• If we’re not embracing technology, we’re not living up to our full potential, particularly as physicians. Medical schools need to get with the times and tech students about where the field is going, not where it’s been. Some schools are doing just that, teaching courses in AI and emerging technologies. We need more of that kind of thinking. As it is, we’re graduating physicians that aren’t fully compentent in the level we need in the modern world.
• Virtual and extended reality holds a lot of promise for the practice of medicine and learning what you need to learn to serve patients. Integrating new technology whenever possible is imperative.